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Akeal Hosein has become one of the most reliable left-arm spinners in West Indies cricket, making his mark both internationally and in T20 leagues around the world. For cricket fans wanting to understand this Trinidadian bowler’s journey, we’ll break down his path from domestic cricket to representing the West Indies cricket team on the biggest stages.
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Hosein’s cricket career showcases the dedication needed to reach international level. This guide covers his early days with Trinidad and Tobago cricket through his current status as a key West Indies spinner, plus his impressive T20 performance across global leagues.
We’ll explore his domestic cricket career achievements that caught selectors’ attention, examine his international cricket career milestones including World Cup appearances, and analyze his bowling stats that make him such a valuable asset in modern cricket. Whether you’re tracking his CPL career with Trinbago Knight Riders or his recent performances in leagues like the PSL, this breakdown gives you everything you need to know about Akeal Hosein’s cricket journey.
Personal Background and Cricket Profile
Early Life and Birth Details in Trinidad and Tobago
Akeal Jerome Hosein was born on April 25, 1993, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Growing up in the cricket-rich Caribbean nation, Hosein’s early years were shaped by the vibrant cricket culture that permeates Trinidad and Tobago. His birthplace, Port of Spain, serves as the capital city and has historically been a breeding ground for talented cricketers who have gone on to represent the West Indies on the international stage.
The foundation of Hosein’s cricket journey was laid in his formative years in Trinidad and Tobago, where he developed his skills in the local cricket infrastructure. His full name, Akeal Jerome Hosein, reflects his Caribbean heritage, and his connection to the twin-island nation would prove instrumental in shaping his cricketing identity and career trajectory.
Playing Style as Left-Handed Batsman and Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Bowler
Akeal Hosein’s cricket profile showcases a distinctive playing style that has made him a valuable asset across multiple formats. As a left-handed batsman, he brings variety to team combinations, though his primary role is clearly defined as a bowler specializing in slow left-arm orthodox spin bowling.
Hosein is recognized as a left-arm fingerspinner known for his relentless accuracy, combining economy with wicket-taking ability that makes him particularly valuable in T20 cricket, especially during powerplay situations. His bowling arsenal includes subtle variations that have proven effective against international batsmen. He possesses a knuckleball as well as a swinging arm ball, though he primarily relies on nuanced changes in speed and length to deceive batters rather than dramatic variations.
Beyond his primary bowling role, Hosein has demonstrated his capabilities as a handy lower-order batsman. His batting prowess was memorably displayed when he scored 44 not out off just 16 balls from the number 11 position in a T20I against England in Bridgetown in January 2022, nearly securing victory for the West Indies in a match they lost by just one run. His batting ability was further showcased in an ODI in Multan, where he smashed 60 runs off 37 balls, including six sixes, batting from the number 7 position.
Rise Through Youth Cricket and Under-19 World Cup Experience
Hosein’s pathway to international cricket began through the West Indies youth system, where he represented the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2012 Under-19 World Cup held in Australia. This tournament experience provided him with crucial exposure to high-level competitive cricket and international conditions, serving as a stepping stone toward his professional career.
Following his Under-19 World Cup participation, Hosein made rapid progress in domestic cricket. Less than a year after his youth international experience, he made his first-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago during the 2012-13 Regional Four Day Competition against Jamaica. His early domestic career showed exceptional promise, with a standout performance coming in his third first-class match where he claimed 11 wickets.
The following season proved to be particularly significant for Hosein’s development, as he achieved consecutive man-of-the-match awards. His exceptional form included bowling figures of 6/33 and 5/34 against the Windward Islands, followed by a maiden first-class century of 102 not out against the Leeward Islands. These performances established him as a promising all-rounder in West Indies domestic cricket.
However, Hosein’s early career trajectory faced challenges as opportunities became limited. Before his 22nd birthday, he had already played 13 first-class matches, but in the subsequent five years, he would play only two more first-class games. This period of limited opportunities tested his resolve and determination to pursue his international cricket aspirations.
Domestic Cricket Career Achievements
First-Class Debut and Early Success with Trinidad and Tobago
Akeal Hosein’s domestic cricket career began when he made his first-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago during the 2012-13 Regional Four Day Competition against Jamaica. Born in Port of Spain, the slow left-arm orthodox bowler had already represented the West Indies under-19s at the 2012 Under-19 World Cup in Australia, showcasing his potential on the international youth stage.
Hosein’s commitment to Trinidad and Tobago cricket spanned over a decade, representing the team from 2013 to 2023. During this period, he established himself as a consistent performer in West Indian domestic cricket, accumulating impressive statistics across formats. In first-class cricket, he played 24 matches for Trinidad and Tobago, taking 66 wickets at an average of 27.84. His bowling prowess was evident with his best first-class figures of 6/33, demonstrating his ability to dismantle batting lineups with his accurate left-arm spin.
Man of the Match Performances and Maiden Century Achievement
The 2013-14 season proved to be a breakthrough period for Hosein’s domestic cricket career. His exceptional all-round abilities came to the forefront when he delivered consecutive man of the match performances that established his reputation as a formidable competitor. First, he produced devastating bowling figures of 6/33 against the Windward Islands, followed by another outstanding performance where he claimed 5/34 in the subsequent match.
However, it was his batting prowess that truly caught attention during this remarkable season. Against the Leeward Islands, Hosein achieved his maiden first-class century, scoring an unbeaten 102. This knock not only demonstrated his versatility as an all-rounder but also highlighted his ability to contribute significantly with the bat when his team needed it most. His first-class batting record shows 644 runs at an average of 17.88, with one century and two half-centuries, proving that he was more than just a specialist bowler.
Caribbean Premier League Journey with Multiple Teams
Hosein’s T20 franchise career began in 2014 when he signed with the Barbados Tridents for the Caribbean Premier League. His association with the Tridents lasted from 2014 to 2019, during which he made notable appearances in prestigious tournaments including the 2014 Champions League Twenty20 and the 2015 CPL tournaments.
In July 2020, a significant transition occurred when Hosein was named in the Trinbago Knight Riders squad for the 2020 Caribbean Premier League. This move marked a new chapter in his CPL career, allowing him to represent his home nation’s franchise. The Knight Riders became his new CPL home from 2020 onwards, where he continued to showcase his spin bowling expertise in the shortest format of the game. His List A statistics reflect his consistent domestic performance, with 89 matches yielding 122 wickets at an impressive average of 15.05, along with his best bowling figures of 5/26.
International Cricket Career Milestones
Akeal Hosein’s international cricket career milestone began during a challenging period for West Indies cricket. In December 2020, he was named in the West Indies’ One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against Bangladesh. This opportunity arose when several senior West Indies players, including Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, and Shimron Hetmyer, opted out of the Bangladesh tour due to Covid-19 concerns.
On 20 January 2021, Hosein made his ODI debut for the West Indies against Bangladesh in Dhaka, earning cap number 200. At 27 years of age, this debut represented the culmination of years of domestic cricket excellence and his breakthrough moment at the international level. His debut performance was immediately impactful, as he took three wickets, demonstrating the bowling accuracy and wicket-taking ability that had made him a standout performer in domestic cricket.
This debut marked the beginning of what would become a significant international career, with Hosein establishing himself as a reliable spin bowling option for the West Indies in limited-overs cricket.
T20I International Career and Central Contract Success
Following his successful ODI debut, Hosein’s international career gained further momentum in 2021. In February 2021, he was named in the West Indies’ Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Sri Lanka. His consistent performances and potential as a T20 specialist continued to impress the selectors.
A significant milestone came in May 2021 when Akeal Hosein was awarded a white-ball central contract by Cricket West Indies for the 2020-21 season. He was one of only ten players to receive this prestigious contract, highlighting his emergence as a key player in the West Indies’ limited-overs setup. This central contract represented official recognition of his value to the national team and secured his position as a regular squad member.
In June 2021, Hosein was added to the West Indies’ T20I squad for their series against South Africa. He made his T20I debut on 3 July 2021 (though records also show 6 July 2021), earning cap number 86 against South Africa. His T20I shirt number became 7, and he quickly established himself as a crucial component of the West Indies’ T20 bowling attack.
The spinner’s international career continued to flourish as he was included in the West Indies squad for the final two T20Is against Australia in July 2021, further cementing his position as a regular in the T20I setup.
ICC T20 World Cup Participation and Squad Selection
Hosein’s rapid rise in international cricket reached its pinnacle with his inclusion in ICC T20 World Cup squads. In September 2021, he was initially named as one of four reserve players in the West Indies’ squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. His journey to the main squad took an interesting turn when he started the tournament as a net bowler, working with the team in a support capacity.
However, his dedication and readiness paid off when opportunity knocked. In October 2021, Hosein was promoted to the main squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, replacing Fabian Allen who was ruled out with an ankle injury. This late inclusion demonstrated the selectors’ confidence in his abilities and his status as a reliable backup option for the national team.
His World Cup experiences continued when he was named in the West Indies squad for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament in May 2024. This selection represented his evolution from an emergency replacement to an established member of the West Indies’ T20 World Cup squad. During the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean, Hosein delivered exceptional performances, taking nine wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.6, showcasing his effectiveness as a powerplay specialist and wicket-taking threat throughout the tournament.
Global T20 League Performances
Indian Premier League Experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Akeal Hosein’s journey to the Indian Premier League marked a significant milestone in his T20 career. On December 23, 2022, he was purchased by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the IPL 2023 season, representing his first opportunity to showcase his left-arm orthodox bowling skills on one of cricket’s most prestigious stages. This acquisition came after his impressive performances in the Caribbean Premier League and international cricket, where his economical bowling and wicket-taking ability had caught the attention of franchise scouts.
However, Hosein’s stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad proved to be brief. After just one season with the franchise, he was released by the team in November 2023. While his specific performances during the 2023 IPL season aren’t detailed in the available records, his release suggests the franchise opted for different bowling options moving forward. Despite this setback, Hosein’s IPL experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad provided valuable exposure to the high-pressure environment of Indian cricket’s premier T20 competition.
Pakistan Super League Hat-Trick Achievement with Quetta Gladiators
Previously establishing himself as a reliable T20 performer, Hosein’s move to the Pakistan Super League with Quetta Gladiators proved to be career-defining. In 2023, he was signed to play for the Quetta Gladiators in the 9th edition of the Pakistani Super League, adding another prestigious T20 franchise to his portfolio.
The highlight of Hosein’s PSL career came on March 8, 2024, during a match against Peshawar Zalmi, when he achieved a remarkable hat-trick that etched his name in PSL history. In a display of precision bowling, Hosein dismissed Aamer Jamal, Mehran Mumtaz, and Luke Wood in three consecutive deliveries, becoming only the sixth bowler to take a hat-trick in the Pakistan Super League’s history. This achievement represented the first hat-trick in Quetta Gladiators’ PSL history, making it doubly significant for both the player and the franchise.
The hat-trick showcased Hosein’s ability to deliver under pressure and demonstrated why he had become such a valuable T20 asset. His knack for subtle variations in speed and length, combined with his arsenal including a knuckleball and swinging arm ball, proved devastatingly effective against quality international batsmen in crucial moments.
Australian Big Bash League Career with Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers
With his reputation as a T20 specialist growing internationally, Hosein expanded his global franchise cricket footprint to include Australia’s Big Bash League. His BBL journey began with Melbourne Renegades, where he played during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. The Renegades provided Hosein with his first taste of Australian conditions, where his left-arm orthodox bowling style and economical approach proved valuable assets in the competitive BBL environment.
Now that we have covered his earlier T20 league experiences, Hosein’s career trajectory led him to the Sydney Sixers for the 2024/25 BBL season. This move to one of the BBL’s most successful franchises represented another step forward in his T20 career development. The Sydney Sixers, known for their strong bowling attacks and tactical acumen, recognized Hosein’s potential to contribute as a reliable spin option in their bowling arsenal.
Hosein’s success across multiple T20 leagues – from the CPL with Trinbago Knight Riders to the IPL, PSL, and BBL – demonstrates his adaptability to different playing conditions and his value as a T20 specialist. His thrifty bowling approach, particularly effective in powerplay situations, combined with his ability to take crucial wickets, has made him a sought-after commodity in franchise cricket globally.
Career Statistics and Bowling Records
International Cricket Performance Across ODI and T20I Formats
Akeal Hosein has established himself as a formidable force in international cricket, demonstrating remarkable consistency across both ODI and T20I formats. In ODI cricket, Hosein has accumulated 57 wickets with an impressive bowling average of 29.59, showcasing his ability to maintain pressure over longer formats. His ODI career highlights include 12 maiden overs, reflecting his economical bowling style that has made him invaluable to the West Indies cricket team.
In T20I cricket, Hosein’s statistics are equally impressive, with 65 wickets at a bowling average of 26.47. His T20I performance demonstrates his adaptability to the shorter format, where economy rates are crucial. With only 2 maiden overs in T20Is, his focus shifts from containment to wicket-taking, maintaining a strike rate that keeps batsmen under constant pressure.
The left-arm orthodox spinner has also proven his worth as a lower-order batsman across both formats. In ODIs, he has scored 266 runs at an average of 14.00 with a strike rate of 73.07, while in T20Is, he has contributed 245 runs at an average of 15.31 with a more aggressive strike rate of 107.45.
Best Bowling Figures and Wicket-Taking Achievements
Hosein’s bowling records showcase his ability to deliver match-winning performances when his team needs them most. His best T20I bowling figures of 5/11 came against Uganda on June 8, 2024, demonstrating his capacity to dismantle batting lineups single-handedly. This five-wicket haul stands as a testament to his skill in exploiting conditions and reading batsmen’s weaknesses.
In ODI cricket, his best bowling figures of 4/39 were achieved against Netherlands on June 2, 2022. This performance highlighted his ability to maintain control while taking crucial wickets in the longer format. The consistency in his wicket-taking ability is evident from his ranking as the 5th-best bowler in ODI cricket, a remarkable achievement that underscores his international cricket prowess.
His memorable batting performances include a crucial 60 runs off 37 balls against Pakistan on June 12, 2022, in ODI cricket, featuring six sixes that showcased his aggressive batting capabilities. In T20I cricket, his highest score of 44 came against England on January 23, 2022, in a thrilling encounter where his lower-order heroics nearly changed the match outcome.
Domestic Cricket Statistics in First-Class and List A Formats
Now that we have covered his international achievements, Hosein’s domestic cricket foundation reveals the depth of his cricketing abilities. His first-class career began with Trinidad, where he made an immediate impact by taking 11 wickets in just his third match and scoring an unbeaten century in his fourth match, demonstrating his all-round capabilities from the start.
The 2019-20 first-class season marked a turning point in Hosein’s career, where he emerged as Trinidad and Tobago’s highest wicket-taker with 36 wickets at an impressive average of 20.6. This performance proved instrumental in his eventual selection for international cricket and established his reputation as a reliable wicket-taking option in longer formats.
His fielding statistics across formats show his commitment to all aspects of the game. In ODI cricket, he has taken 16 catches and completed 4 run-outs, while in T20Is, he has 18 catches to his credit. These numbers reflect his athletic ability and sharp reflexes, contributing significantly to his team’s defensive efforts and overall match impact.
Akeal Hosein’s journey from Trinidad’s domestic cricket scene to representing the West Indies on the international stage showcases the power of consistent performance and adaptability. His impressive bowling statistics across formats, including his remarkable T20I figures of 65 wickets at an average of 26.47, demonstrate his effectiveness as a slow left-arm orthodox spinner. From his breakthrough performances in regional competitions to his current role as a key player in global T20 leagues like the IPL, PSL, and BBL, Hosein has proven his worth as a dependable match-winner.
The 32-year-old spinner’s career trajectory serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers from the Caribbean, proving that talent combined with perseverance can open doors to the highest levels of the sport. With his continued presence in the West Indies setup and growing reputation in franchise cricket worldwide, Hosein remains a vital asset for any team looking to strengthen their bowling attack. His story exemplifies how regional players can make their mark on the global cricket stage through dedication and consistent performances.
